Travels of Mark and Pat: May 2020

Sunday - May 31

Sunny Sunday - perfect spring day! We had ham and cheese omelets and bagels and then went to Annette's Barber Shop - she gave Mark a haircut while I watched Luke and Maeve on their trampoline. Visited with Ryan and checked out latest progress on his garage/apartment.

Went to Mass in Boston with Cardinal O'Malley and then enjoyed some ice cream sundaes.

It sickens and saddens me to see all the violence and horror going on around our country - sooo senseless. After all these business owners have been thru these last few months being shut down, etc.,, and now to have it all destroyed.

This last day of May and our last hurrah at Lake James - exactly 10 weeks tomorrow that we arrived here. We'll sure miss the warm hospitality and our lovely cottage that Michael, Brooke, Drew, Davis, Brady and Blair so graciously offered us. Along with Philip, Annette, Luke, Maeve and Ryan (all from a distance), there were happy hours, sharing meals, and many grocery deliveries that were so appreciated. We'll miss (but can continue as we travel) , the online euchre games, and while here, so enjoyed "Call the Midwife" series and "The Last Dance". We'll definitely miss all the hiking on so many neat trails thru the beautiful Pisgah Forest and waking up to all that beauty of the lake and mountains and amazing sunsets day after day.

Luke and Maeve jumping off some energy!

Mark and I sat on the pontoon bobbing back and forth reading our kindle and i-pad this afternoon - sooo relaxing!

Tonight our NC kiddoes are all together and we gathered at Michael and Brooke's for a delicious dinner, wine and good ole family time!

Philip and Annette; Brooke and Michael

Our 3 sons

Philip, Ryan, Michael

Some hugs for the kiddos (1st in TEN weeks).....

Tomorrow, we are "Back on the road again" as Willie would sing.

Have a fun and safe week!

Saturday - May 30

Sunny warm Saturday and we Nomads dug in after breakfast taking the rest of our stuff from cottage and putting in its place in Flo or Big Red. I cleaned the cottage, did laundry and will wrap up some final little things tomorrow!!!

Mark got his stuff all ready, bikes attached to Flo and back of truck loaded - most of this we'll be leaving in storage in Bloomington.

Mark commented that the picture I have on top of blog looks so different from how our view is these days with all the spring foliage....

So lush and pretty!

Exciting to watch the launch of SpaceX and wishing Doug and Bob a safe, successful

adventure!

Mark and I took the pontoon out late afternoon for a very pleasant one-hour trip. Have to get our water/boating fix since we won't be on Catrina this summer!!!

Had dinner at Michel and Brooke's - gorgeous evening to dine outdoors

Brooke and Annette whipping up some goodies

Mark and I are on Flo tonight - cottage is nice 'n clean ready for next guests.

The goobers stopped by and started singing Happy Birthday to me! Blair said she knew my birthday was in February but since we weren't together then, "surprise" and then sang their little hearts out!

💗💗💗 these kiddos

Grandma and her "Littles"

Friday - May 29

Friday started out foggy, then cleared somewhat but dreary. After breakfast we decided to head into Morganton early to walk the Greenway Trail. Rain was predicted but not till noon. But, just as we were coming into town, the rain started - ugh! We drove downtown and I went into the Grind Cafe (with mask) to get some coffees to go. No other customers but no one behind the counter was wearing a mask? Sure enjoyed our coffees - 1st since we left Fort Myers.....

We drove around finding the Catawba Meadows Park and the Greenway Trail which went along the river. What a pretty area and we sure would've liked to walk more, but......rain did stop a bit and we checked out some of the paved paths. This park has a wonderful huge playground for children, zip lining, rock climbing, frisbee golf, etc.

Today was our last pick up at WalMart which was our next stop and then a lunch pick up at Chick Fil A.

On home as rain started again. Got all the groceries put away in Flo's cupboards or fridge.

More stuff transferred from cottage to Flo - sun came out and really steamy.

Munching on some good ole summertime treats!

Zoom with 3 of the sisters, read, enjoyed the kiddos and had some leftovers for supper.

The rain finally fizzled after showers on and off and enjoyed a beautiful evening!

Thursday - May 28

Cloudy and dreary but then the sun came out and a pretty morning with warm temps. After breakfast we went for a nice walk and then started the transfer of clothes, food and stuff from the cottage to Flo. Accomplished a lot today.....

Read this afternoon, did Zoom with sisters.

Sorry to hear that the daughter-in-law of friends of ours in Virginia tested positive with rona. She and her husband have 2 small girls and she's only 37.

Rain was in the forecast all day but didn't happen and then tonight was absolutely gorgeous. We took 3 boats and 12 of us (Michael, Philip and families +Mark and I) cruised to Bear Creek for dinner. What a treat to sit outside social distancing and enjoying some good drinks and food. No masks from the staff though? This was first time since March 13th that we've eaten out.......that day we went to the rodeo with Allie and Owen in Arcadia, FL and then dined on Mexican fare.

Came back and watched Brady and Drew beat Michael and Davis in 3 games of corn hole.

Wednesday - May 27

After 3 straight days of predicted rain and then didn't happen or very little, today it is coming down gently and we may get some effects from Bertha who is really causing havoc on the east coast.

Worked on Flo getting stuff organized and ready to bring back all our stuff that we carried into the cottage these past 10 weeks.

We plan to leave Monday after my 10:15 orthopedic appt. and head to Jackson Center, Ohio for some warranty maintenance on Flo. This was to be done in February in Fort Myers, but they weren't able to do it all, so warranty was extended to this June 4th appointment at the Airstream factory. Not sure how long this will take, but then off to see Anne, boys and meet Gibson.

I forgot to mention yesterday how impressed I was with Headlines Salon in Morganton and all the precautions they took when I got my pedicure. Waited outside door and they took my temp. All employees and customers wore masks and filled out a brief health form.

2 sessions of Zoom - Mark's sisters and then with Claire and Kathy.

The rain continues to fall.....wonderful for the trees and flowers

Tuesday - May 26

Happy "Heavenly" Birthday to Mark's Dad (aka Grandpa C) who would've been 99 today!

Another gloomy, dreary day with some light rain off and on. Mark and I went to Morganton and I got a much-needed and much-appreciated pedicure from Paige at Headlines compliments of Philip and Annette (belated birthday gift that had been scheduled well before rona)! It was wonderful and a real treat!

Stopped at Chick Fil A for lunch (curbside pickup) and on home. Zoom with 3 siblings in the afternoon and read my good book.

Euchre with the girls - AWFUL cards tonight - Anne and I lost 4 out of 5 games to Annette and Brooke!

Memorial Day - 2020

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

THANK YOU to all the brave men and women who served and died for our country!

Dreary and gloomy holiday which will certainly put a damper on outdoor activities! Mark made pancakes and sausage and worked inside Flo doing his organizing.

We've been reading recently about the increase in RV/camper sales as folks are wanting to vacation and thru this method of travel, it would be considered much safer. We nomads have a plan for the summer. Since we can't go boating (due to very late opening of the Erie Canal in New York). Catrina will stay in storage and we plan to fulfil a bucket list item I've had a long time.....take Flo and head to the Pacific Northwest. We plan to start in Vancouver and come on down the coast having our home and all the amenities with us.

The weather has sure put a damper on our hiking. After so many awesome hikes on the great trails, now much rain is in forecast for rest of the week! Arghhhh

We were very fortunate that we had no significant "feel icky" moments after our 2nd shingles shot - just a day or so of sore arms. Others have not fared so well. However, my shoulder is another story. Still hurting after over a week of drug and exercises. The weather isn't helping as any barometric pressure change always affects the joints!

Rain was in the forecast today but didn't happen, just dreary and low 70's. We did a 2 mile walk on the road late morning.

I finished Season 8 of "Call the Midwife" and now waiting for the just finished Season 9 to be on Netflix (no idea when that will be).

What a wonderful series and very thankful to my friend, Margaret for telling me about it. I sure will miss watching these episodes day after day!

So, a beautiful evening after a gloomy day. We had pulled pork nachos for supper and then sat outside on the porch with Michael, Philip and families and Ryan.

Sunday - May 24

Sunny warm Sunday morning. Mark has been working on this 'n that at Michael's house, I read and had a leisurely morning after sausage/egg/cheese sandwiches for breakfast.

We attended Mass with Cardinal O'Malley in Boston and then Mark worked on organizing some bins on Big Red. Around 12:30, the clouds rolled in and heard some thunder.....hmmmm, rain in the forecast for all week long. Had some light sprinkles but nothing much! I read, watched 4 episodes, took a little nap and just enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon

Michael grilled out burgers tonight! Delicious - that Green Egg is the best and he loves to grill, so a win win for all!

Zoom tonight with 11 of the siblings....always fun to catch up with everyone!

Silly "Littles", "Munchkins", "Goobers", etc., etc. Love these kiddos!!!

Some special memories from 2004 of our 2 college-bound grandsons....

Davis and Grandpa C (Mark's Dad)

Drew and Grandpa D (my Dad)

We're expecting a wet Memorial Day.....hope yours is fun wherever you are and whatever you have planned!

Ominous sky tonight

Saturday - May 23

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S,

DAVIS

Our graduate - Class of 2020

It was a spectacular day for an outdoor ceremony that lasted less than 1 hour! We watched on TV with Blair and Brady as Davis received his diploma and graduated Summa Cum Laude from University Christian High School. So proud of him and wishing him all the best at NC State this fall where he will major in Aeronautical Engineering.

Davis with proud Mom and Dad

Davis with proud Grandma and Grandpa

We spent the afternoon on the dock, Brooke's parents, brother and family, Philip and family, Ryan, Michael and family and us. Michael took several for a boat ride and we just enjoyed this pretty day. We did hear a few rumbles of thunder, but thankfully, it passed us by.

Michael grilled filets and along with loaded baked potatoes, salad and cake, we celebrated with our graduate followed by Judy and me beating Annette and Brooke (sitting on the porch with our phones/I-pads) 3 of 4 games of euchre.

Friday - May 22

After a nasty week of rain (over 5") today started out very foggy. At 10:30, the sun came out and what a treat for 2+ hours to have deep blue skies. We knew rain was coming, though.....and around 1, the clouds rolled in and later, the rain started. We did get our walk in while the sun was a'shining!

I watched 2 more episodes, read my book, did zoom with 3 other siblings and then off to "Drinks on the Dock" a Friday night ritual at Camp Lake James. It has been cancelled cause of "rona" but today, the next Phase is open, so....everyone congregates by the pool and plenty of room for distancing. The rain stopped and sun came out for just an itty bit. Mark and I stayed for an hour and then got some cheese curds and fried green tomatoes "to go" and on home and enjoyed with our pulled pork sandwiches.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Thursday - May 21

As I start today's blog this morning, the rain continues to fall and the little "sunshine" symbol is no where to be found on my weather app for the next 10 days! Let's hope that changes?

After lunch, I watched 3 episodes and cried my eyes - out! Talk about heartwarming stories - oh my! That's all I'm gonna say other than if you get the chance, this is just thee most wonderful series..."Call the Midwife"!!!!!

Mark and I went for a short walk this afternoon when the rain finally stopped for a bit....felt so good to stretch the legs. Davis's graduation was to be tomorrow night (outside) at 6 PM. But with more rain coming, it will now be Saturday at 11. Each family will be given 3 passes for cars but who knows how far back we would be parked? Mark and I, Drew, Brady and Blair will stay home and watch on TV thru FB (live streaming). Party time afterwards with family - keeping our distance!

Late afternoon while I was watching another episode, Matk and Michael took a little boat ride - a bit nippy and no sun, but I think they had a little dose of cabin fever!!!

After supper we watched the 10th and final episode of The Last Dance - really enjoyed this documentary on Michael Jordan. Then 5 games of euchre with Brooke and I winning the first game and then getting trounced by Annette and Ryan the next 4 games....ugh!!!

Today Patrick's grave stone was installed.....emotional time but pleased with how it turned out....

Wednesday - May 20

A really yucky day with lots and lots of rain and a high of 52. Good day to hunker down with a good book, 2 episodes of "Call the Midwife" and some fun euchre games with Mark, Nancy, Mark and me. The siblings Mark and Nancy beat Mark and me 3 of 5 games.

This afternoon I watched 2 more episodes. Michael picked up pizza from Moon Dogs - it is sooo good. Watched 9th episode of The Last Dance and played more euchre with Annette and Brooke winning 4 of 7 from Drew and me.

Sooo hard to believe it's been 8 months today that Patrick passed away.

Nighty night from soggy Lake James ☔☔☔

Tuesday - May 19

What a miserable day....lots of rain, chilly temps (50's) and some thunder and lightning, too. It would've been a good day to hunker down under the afghan and watch more episodes or read my book; but, we were off around 10 for Morganton to get the 2nd of our shingles shot and then Wal Mart grocery pick up. We also treated ourselves to curbside pick up at Chick-Fil-A.

After we got home and got our very wet groceries put away (it was POURING when employee put in back of truck), I watched 2 episodes.

No hiking for us for several days - we miss it! Rain to continue with some heavy amounts in the forecast and flash flooding.

Did Zoom with 3 sisters and 1 brother-in-law this afternoon. This evening I did Zoom with Kathy and Claire......LOVE Zoom!!!

Watched Connor's 8th grade video in its entirety tonight - sooo neat and well done with oodles of cute pics from way back to kindergarten to the present and then congratulations from the middle school faculty. Brought on some tears!

Silly Nillies

Luke in jammies and Maeve is going partying with her new "do"!!!

Monday - May 18

Dreary rain with occasional sprinkles. I did some cleaning in the cottage and laundry.

I rode with Brooke to Hickory and stayed in car while she ran some errands (wearing her cute red/pink heart mask). Nice to be out and little change of scenery.

Mark did computer stuff all day....also did my exercises for shoulder.

Brooke made a delicious chicken pot pie with puff pastry tonight (new recipe) and shared with us. EXCELLENT!!!

A dreadful night of cards.....Bob and Brooke beat Judy and I 4 of 5 games!

Sunday - May 17

A nice warm day in the 80's with sun and clouds. We had ham/cheese omelets and toast and then watched Mass with Cardinal O'Malley in Boston.

I watched 3 episodes, Mark was doing computer stuff and then time to enjoy the littles. Annette, Luke and Maeve came over and the kiddos had fun playing on the basketball court, playhouse, on the beach, and 2 boat rides Michael and Grandpa took them for a boat ride in the Whaler and then Grandpa and I, Brooke, Annette and the littles enjoyed a nice pontoon ride (Jinx got to ride along both times - he loves being out on the water).

Fun with the Littles

Coming back in with Grandpa and Drew's assistance

Luke taking little sis on a spin around the basketball court!

A nice Sunday afternoon to sit on the dock and visit as many boats passed us by!

Zoom with 9 of the 12 siblings tonight!

Have a great week - stay healthy!

Saturday - May 16

Warm (80's) and lots of sunshine today. We took off at 9 for our walk and did the road going and trail on the return. More pretty rocks today...

Soon as we got home, Michael suggested we bring the boat to the camp and meet for lunch.

Drew, Davis and Brady were golfing; Michael, Brooke and Blair were in the pontoon so that left the new Whaler - love it! We tied up at Camp Lake James and had a wonderful afternoon with their friends, the kiddies played on the beach and we all just sat around and visited keeping our distance (for the most part). Lunch was good as always, Annette, Luke and Maeve joined us and Grandpa and I came back home around 3:30. Great day on the water!

Read and cooked brats in beer - then onto the green egg - yummy!

Spectacular endless roses at the camp

Maeve picked a rose for Mommy

Blair doing her pose

Today was a far cry from what it was supposed to be (before Rona). Connor and I were going to fly to NC this morning and he was my date tonight at Brady's 8th grade banquet for parents, grandparents and graduates. Mark was to be in Dubuque, Iowa for wedding of our nephew Justin to Jessa. After the wedding, he planned to fly to Charlotte, spend the night and arrive tomorrow morning for Brady's graduation ceremony.

Those plans were cancelled and here we all are at Lake James and Connor is back in Bloomington with Gibson.

Pretty sunset to end this fun day on Lake James!

Friday - May 15

A big day for the Campbells..... new puppy, Gibson arrived and we know he'll be so loved!!!

Welcome to the family, Gibson

We had breakfast and then off to Morganton for my 9:15 appt. with Dr.Mark Brazinski. This was my first time out and about in public seeing masks (and several without), waiting outside the office to go in one by one, have my temperature taken and asked a bunch of questions. Then chairs with signs were a no no - kept everyone well spaced apart.

Dr. Brazinski was so nice....took x-rays and since I've had 3 cortisone shots, that is enough and not recommended. He gave me a list of exercises to do every other day and put me on an anti-inflammatory drug 2x a day but no longer than 3 weeks. He wants to see me in around 3-4 weeks.

While waiting for the prescription to be filled we decided to walk. I remembered going to a park with Annette and the kiddos a while ago, so we drove to the Catawba River Greenway. What a lovely park and different paths and it's all PAVED. Several people out and about this lovely day. We will definitely be back to check out more of this. Got a text that my drug was ready, picked it up and on home. Lunch, watched 2 more episodes while Mark was doing computer work.

It is a spectacularly gorgeous day!!!

1922 East Jackson Street

5 years ago today we closed on our home of 40+ years!

And 27 years ago today, Anne graduated from Eastern Illinois University!

Watched the 8th episode of The Last Dance and then....

we did facetime with Gibson as he frolicked around the yard with the boys

Our grand puppy

Thursday - May 14

Mixture of sun and clouds today. Big news was the arrival of Michael's new boat - Boston Whaler which was delivered around 10:30.

Captain Drew on 1st ride in new family toy!

We hiked late morning in the state park, and then home for lunch and rest a bit.

Liam, Anne, Connor with diploma and Father Stirniman

Our sweet little moppet all dressed up

This afternoon we went to Philip and Annette's - checked out the progress on new garage and Annette gave Mark a much-needed haircut.

Annette doing her thing

Before

After

It was so good to see the kiddos.....

Maeve loves her bouncy house

This is what we see so much of in Lake James State Park and today, saw it in

Philip and Annette's back yard - Mountain Laurel

Beautiful backyard with big fire pit

All of the family + Grandpa went for a little boat ride today - Michael took his Mama for a spin tonight! It's really neat and tonight's weather is perfect!!!

So excited that tomorrow I FINALLY have an appt. with EmergeOrtho in Morganton to have Dr. check out my shoulder. Records were faxed 1 week ago.....I think I got lost in the shuffle or something like that despite my daily phone calls?

Drew and Judy beat Bob and I 3 out of 5 euchre games tonight!

Wednesday - May 13

Congratulations Connor !!!

Our new graduate

We went to Mass this morning from Historic St. Pat's in Bloomington - it was end-of-the-school-year mass. Cool and gloomy all day long. Stayed indoors and watched 4 more wonderful episodes of "Call the Midwife" and did a load of laundry.

Roma's spaghetti and pizza for supper (carry out) and watched Connor's 8th grade Mass from the chapel at Corpus Christi. 4 priests con celebrated the Mass.

Way to go Connor!

Best of luck at CCHS

Luke is making some smooth moves

taekwondo virtually!

Tuesday - May 12

Cloudy and cool. Mark went to Morganton to pick up order from WalMart (meant to pick up later in the week, but pushed the wrong button)!!! Then treated us to breakfast sandwiches from McDonald's

I watched 2 episodes and at 10:15 the lights went out - no power and we heard it could be out for 4 hours! But fortunately that was not the case and 45 minutes later, we were back in business!

We drove to Lake James State Park (about a mile away) this afternoon - it has been closed throughout "rona" and it and other state parks opened this past Friday. It is HUGE with many trails and thru the internet we could see which ones were easy, moderate, difficult, which were just for mountain biking, walking, etc. We chose a moderate (blue) route and it was quite pleasant and a lot of along the water.